Who painted Washerwomen?

Washerwomen was painted by Félicien Rops in 1886.

Where can I see Washerwomen?

Washerwomen is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Washerwomen?

Washerwomen is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Washerwomen?

Museum-quality prints of Washerwomen are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Washerwomen

Félicien Rops , 1886

Washerwomen is a chalk print by the Romanticist artist Félicien Rops. It dates from 1886 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:by artist, below image at lower left in black chalk: F.R.; by artist, lower right in black chalk: F.R. (within remarque); by later hand, lower right verso in graphite: 8885

About this work

Overview

Washerwomen is a print created by Félicien Rops around 1886 using a combination of etching, drawing, and wash techniques.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts five women washing clothes by a rocky riverbank, conveying a sense of everyday activity with an air of mystery. The loose, sketchy lines and textured rendering of their clothing suggest a spontaneous, observational approach.

Technique & Style

Rops employed an innovative mix of media, reworking an etching counterproof with pen and ink, chalk, and gray wash to achieve a range of textures and tonal effects. This approach reflects his experimental attitude towards intaglio printmaking.

Context

As a member of the Les XX group and a figure associated with Symbolism and Decadence, Rops's work was influenced by the artistic and cultural currents of late 19th-century Paris and Belgium.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Félicien Rops

Félicien Victor Joseph Rops (French: ; 7 July 1833 – 23 August 1898) was a Belgian artist associated with Symbolism, Decadence, and the Parisian fin de siècle, and was a member of the Les XX group.